Well.... If this doesn't work out, I can just live in Hong Kong for 7 years until I get a HK permanent ID card and apply then.
Not seeing how I can muster all that patience though!
Another way might be to enrol for the Aviation course at a certain university here in Australia. On their website they mention that they have a partnership with Cathay Pacific and that several top students may be provided a visa and sent off as a cadet.